M/T Damia Desgagnés, the world’s first dual-fuel asphalt tanker, was christened at the Port of Montreal on May 18.
The 14,700 dwt asphalt-bitumen-chemical tanker is the first in a series of four carriers built by Turkish Besiktas Shipyard for Canadian shipping company Desgagnés Group.
The vessel, which was handed over to its owner at the beginning of April, can be powered by any of three types of fuel – heavy fuel oil, marine diesel oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG).
With a gross tonnage of 11,978 tons, Damia Desgagnés features a length of 135 meters and a width of 23.5 meters.
The ship’s tanks offer a carrying capacity of 14,950 cubic meters when filled at 98%. In addition, the tanker can carry over 13,500 tons of asphalt at a draft of 7.8 meters in seawater.
In response to Desgagnés Group’s desire to opt for an eco-friendly fuel, Gaz Métro and the Port of Montreal have announced that an LNG supply solution for marine fuel will now be available at the Port of Montreal.
Groupe Desgagnés, Gaz Métro and the Port of Montreal joined efforts in developing an LNG supply system that will be operated by a Gaz Métro subsidiary. This system will be available to all shipowners in Quebec, including the fleets passing through the Port of Montreal, according to the port.
“I would like to commend the leadership and vision of Groupe Desgagnés, which was the first commercial shipowner to order vessels destined to navigate in Québec able to use LNG as marine fuel… LNG is currently one of the best solutions available to replace petroleum products in the maritime sector, due to its environmental assets. In particular, it respects new Canadian and international maritime transportation standards that aim to minimize the emission of air pollutants (NOx and SOx),” Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaz Métro, said.
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